Where "else" did you interview?

[molten]

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Should they be asking you this on interview day? I wouldn't think it appropriate.

How do you deal with:

How many other interviews do you have?

Where?
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Are these even legitimate quesitons to ask?

 

[DrSnips]

Should they be asking you this on interview day? I wouldn't think it appropriate.

How do you deal with:

How many other interviews do you have?

Where?
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Are these even legitimate quesitons to ask?

I've been asked these at several interviews. I handled it by being completely honest, because I don't care if programs know where my other interviews are. There is no need to pretend you are only interviewing at their program.

 

[molten]

I've been asked these at several interviews. I handled it by being completely honest, because I don't care if programs know where my other interviews are. There is no need to pretend you are only interviewing at their program.

This interview, happening in a few days, will be my first so there will be no pretence involved. Not sure if it's a truth I should want revealed.

 

[Knicks]

This interview, happening in a few days, will be my first so there will be no pretence involved. Not sure if it's a truth I should want revealed.

Interesting point.

 

[shan564]

I think they usually just want to get an idea for what kind of program you're looking for. Or they might recommend a particular person at that program who might have interests similar to yours.

Personally, after three interview days (with 5-6 interviews on each day), only one person has asked me something like that, and she was clearly just trying to get an idea of what I'm looking for in a program. I just gave her an honest answer, although I mostly mentioned the more prestigious places where I'm interviewing... those are my top choices anyway, so it answered the question that she was trying to ask... and as a bonus, I thought it'd help make me look good.

 

[Winged Scapula]

I think they usually just want to get an idea for what kind of program you're looking for. Or they might recommend a particular person at that program who might have interests similar to yours.

Personally, after three interview days (with 5-6 interviews on each day), only one person has asked me something like that, and she was clearly just trying to get an idea of what I'm looking for in a program. I just gave her an honest answer, although I mostly mentioned the more prestigious places where I'm interviewing... those are my top choices anyway, so it answered the question that she was trying to ask... and as a bonus, I thought it'd help make me look good.

Be aware that in the twisted mentality of medicine, mentioning places that are more prestigious may make programs think, "eh he's too good for us and won't even rank us, so we're not going to rank him either". Therefore, its always best to offer up a variety of programs or programs with comparative competitiveness.

 

[gutonc]

Be aware that in the twisted mentality of medicine, mentioning places that are more prestigious may make programs think, "eh he's too good for us and won't even rank us, so we're not going to rank him either". Therefore, its always best to offer up a variety of programs or programs with comparative competitiveness.

^This.

While the fact that the applicants are a neurotic mess is obvious, what many applicants don't realize is that programs want to be loved too. So while Man's Greatest Hospital may be pleased to hear that you've also interviewed at Bob's Big Doctorin' Barn (but just because that's the same town where your grandma lives), the reverse does not apply.

When I got the question, I had a pretty decent idea of how the program ranked among the rest of my list and would name 2 or 3 "better" programs, a couple of similar programs and 2 or 3 "lesser" places.

This is a common (albeit lame) question. You need to get used to it and untwist your panties ahead of time.

 

[DrSnips]

^This.

While the fact that the applicants are a neurotic mess is obvious, what many applicants don't realize is that programs want to be loved too. So while Man's Greatest Hospital may be pleased to hear that you've also interviewed at Bob's Big Doctorin' Barn (but just because that's the same town where your grandma lives), the reverse does not apply.

When I got the question, I had a pretty decent idea of how the program ranked among the rest of my list and would name 2 or 3 "better" programs, a couple of similar programs and 2 or 3 "lesser" places.

This is a common (albeit lame) question. You need to get used to it and untwist your panties ahead of time.

So programs will rank you lower if they think you have too many other good programs to rank? Why though? Doesn't the match algorithm work for them the same way it does for applicants--that rank should be based entirely on preference? Programs have nothing to lose by ranking the super competitive applicants higher, even if they think there is little chance of obtaining them...

 

[kjamess]

So programs will rank you lower if they think you have too many other good programs to rank? Why though? Doesn't the match algorithm work for them the same way it does for applicants--that rank should be based entirely on preference? Programs have nothing to lose by ranking the super competitive applicants higher, even if they think there is little chance of obtaining them...

Its all about yield and wanting happy residents who want to come there (maintains morale). I think that applicants who let post-interview correspondence affect their rank list do so for similar reasons (wanting to match at the top of their list and at a program that wants them)

 

[gutonc]

So programs will rank you lower if they think you have too many other good programs to rank? Why though? Doesn't the match algorithm work for them the same way it does for applicants--that rank should be based entirely on preference? Programs have nothing to lose by ranking the super competitive applicants higher, even if they think there is little chance of obtaining them...

While this is true, PDs have the same pride that you have. Just as you'd probably prefer to match to your #1 vs your #14 program, some programs want to be able to say that they only went down to Y spots on their list to match X people.

It's not rational, but it is reality.

 

[MsKrispyKreme]

I only mention a few programs that are similar in structure and competitiveness as the program at which I'm interviewing.

 

[LovelyBRass]

I say the cities I'm interviewing in and try to leave it at that. If I get pressed, I only mention places of similar caliber. Vague to specific, without the whole truth.

 

[FrisbeeDocIM]

I say the cities I'm interviewing in and try to leave it at that. If I get pressed, I only mention places of similar caliber. Vague to specific, without the whole truth.

This. Also, because I've interviewed at places not in the same geographical region as my home institution, I think they might be asking this to see if I am genuinely interested in the area. It's usually reassuring to them when I tell them I've been to several similar-caliber places nearby.

 

[twright]

I say the cities I'm interviewing in and try to leave it at that. If I get pressed, I only mention places of similar caliber. Vague to specific, without the whole truth.

The first time I ask this question (if I ask it at all), it is generally as shan564 says: to get a sense for what kinds of programs would interest them, to get a sense for their interests in specific research areas or PIs (i.e., for the research-oriented residents), to see if there are ways in which I can be helpful in terms of suggesting people for them to talk to at an upcoming interview, etc. Sometimes I ask the question just to see how the resident will react -- because I know the question causes some residents (really just a small subset, many of whom appear to be represented on SDN) to squirm.

If I get a cagey response or if I have to ask the question a second or third time to get an answer, minus 5 points. Just answer the damn question.

It's not at all "reassuring" to me if you tell me that you're applying to similar-caliber places, because that isn't the purpose of the question.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

The NRMP just published a program code of conduct, that specifically states that this question not be asked.

 

[gutonc]

The NRMP just published a program code of conduct, that specifically states that this question not be asked.

That's good to know. Out of curiosity, are you specifically telling your interviewers to not ask this question or just referring them to the Code? Because I can guarantee they won't read it on their own (even though it is only 1 page long).

 

[twright]

The NRMP just published a program code of conduct, that specifically states that this question not be asked.

Thanks for the notice. We haven't received a notice from the residency admin (eg., program director) about this, but it is kind of late in the season. Perhaps this will be distributed to faculty interviewers next year.

 

[molten]

The NRMP just published a program code of conduct, that specifically states that this question not be asked.

Thank you.

This is along the lines of what I wanted to know when I asked if it was a legitimate question. It did not feel right, regardless of whether or not it made me squirm.

 

[Raryn]

The NRMP just published a program code of conduct, that specifically states that this question not be asked.

There's a problem with that code. The applicant equivalent (which also came out last week) says this:

"Recognize your right to confidentiality. Programs may ask about other programs to which you have or may apply, but they cannot require you to provide that information. Programs also cannot ask you to reveal your ranking preferences or intentions or query you about your age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and/or family status."

 

[KeyzerSoze]

There's a problem with that code. The applicant equivalent (which also came out last week) says this:

"Recognize your right to confidentiality. Programs may ask about other programs to which you have or may apply, but they cannot require you to provide that information. Programs also cannot ask you to reveal your ranking preferences or intentions or query you about your age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and/or family status."

But the code for programs just says "shall not require an applicant to disclose ... the locations of other programs to which the applicant has or may apply", which implies that they can ask the question.

 

[Raryn]

But the code for programs just says "shall not require an applicant to disclose ... the locations of other programs to which the applicant has or may apply", which implies that they can ask the question.

Right.

But they're allowed to ask the question. Just not require an answer. And they are welcome to look down on you if you decline to answer it.

 

[SeekerOfTheTree]

I tell people. I don't care.

 

[LovelyBRass]

The first time I ask this question (if I ask it at all), it is generally as shan564 says: to get a sense for what kinds of programs would interest them, to get a sense for their interests in specific research areas or PIs (i.e., for the research-oriented residents), to see if there are ways in which I can be helpful in terms of suggesting people for them to talk to at an upcoming interview, etc. Sometimes I ask the question just to see how the resident will react -- because I know the question causes some residents (really just a small subset, many of whom appear to be represented on SDN) to squirm.

If I get a cagey response or if I have to ask the question a second or third time to get an answer, minus 5 points. Just answer the damn question.

It's not at all "reassuring" to me if you tell me that you're applying to similar-caliber places, because that isn't the purpose of the question.

The problem is that if I only tell you "where" I'm applying, you're not getting a sense of any of that. I haven't told you much detail at all and now you're making assumptions about me that may or may not be true.

Of course, this is moot because this isn't supposed to be asked anyway haha It's funny, I thought that was basically known. But I guess the interviewers aren't reading the Match Tips from the NRMP as ravenously as us applicants are, considering we change every year!

 

[DreamingTheLive]

I'm pretty honest and I generally tell them, within reason, where else I'm interviewing. More than a few PDs have wrote down these programs, of which causes me to end the response quickly as that seems a bit odd.

 

[shan564]

The problem is that if I only tell you "where" I'm applying, you're not getting a sense of any of that. I haven't told you much detail at all and now you're making assumptions about me that may or may not be true.

That's why you don't "only" tell them that. Turn it into a conversation. These questions aren't meant to have objective answers.

 

[LovelyBRass]

That's why you don't "only" tell them that. Turn it into a conversation. These questions aren't meant to have objective answers.

I don't think it's a great idea to tell people where I applied, and then make a whole conversation about another program (I'm sorry, exactly what conversation was I supposed to start?). Poor form. Let's talk about ME and let's talk about this program.

 

[dude1344]

I don't think it's a great idea to tell people where I applied, and then make a whole conversation about another program (I'm sorry, exactly what conversation was I supposed to start?). Poor form. Let's talk about ME and let's talk about this program.

Who says to do that? I'm sure that wasn't his point. I'd say something like "I'm also applying to such and such programs, as they have what I'm looking for in a program. These are the things I'm looking for in a program blah blah multiple examples here blah blah in which your program is very impressive in blah blah etc etc "

Continue on waxing poetic on how great you think their program is.

Easy peasy.

 

[shan564]

Who says to do that? I'm sure that wasn't his point. I'd say something like "I'm also applying to such and such programs, as they have what I'm looking for in a program. These are the things I'm looking for in a program blah blah multiple examples here blah blah in which your program is very impressive in blah blah etc etc "

Continue on waxing poetic on how great you think their program is.

Easy peasy.

+1. I usually say something like "I'm mostly interested in programs in [region] with [distinguishing features], such as [program name] and [program name]. But I've been impressed by [distinguishing feature] today... how do you feel about [relevant topic]?"

 

[LovelyBRass]

Who says to do that? I'm sure that wasn't his point. I'd say something like "I'm also applying to such and such programs, as they have what I'm looking for in a program. These are the things I'm looking for in a program blah blah multiple examples here blah blah in which your program is very impressive in blah blah etc etc "

Continue on waxing poetic on how great you think their program is.

Easy peasy.

+1. I usually say something like "I'm mostly interested in programs in [region] with [distinguishing features], such as [program name] and [program name]. But I've been impressed by [distinguishing feature] today... how do you feel about [relevant topic]?"

You guys seriously talk up other programs first (how they have what you're looking for) and think that's a good way to talk about the current program ("and oh btw, you guys are great too")? I should PM you a list of the programs I plan to rank highly - please continue to do this there.

 

[shan564]

You guys seriously talk up other programs first (how they have what you're looking for) and think that's a good way to talk about the current program ("and oh btw, you guys are great too")? I should PM you a list of the programs I plan to rank highly - please continue to do this there.

I think you're misunderstanding what we're trying to say. What I said there was just a vague template, not my precise conversation. In reality, my response is much more tactful and conversational, and I assume that the same is true for dude1344.

I don't "talk up" other programs... I just use the question as an opportunity to discuss what I'm looking for in a residency program. PDs aren't stupid... they know that their program isn't the only one in the world. And they're not asking the question just to pry... they want to know what sorts of programs you're looking for. Most of the time, in response to my answer, the PD says something like "oh yeah, that program is a lot like ours... actually, some of our graduates have gone to practice there." (with the implication that "oh, it's clear that you're interested in our flavor of training.")

Of course, I won't highlight the differences. If I'm interviewing at another place with a much better reputation and a completely different style of training, I won't mention it. I'll only really mention the places if I think that the interviewer will respond with something like "yeah, that's a great place too... did you talk do Dr. A? His research is very similar to what you're interested in. Oh yeah, you talked to him? You should also take the opportunity to talk to Dr. B at our program... his research interests might be right up your alley."

Or one of a variety of other directions in which the conversation can go. That's what I meant when I said "turn it into a conversation." The answer doesn't have to follow a script. And I think that's what they're looking for when they ask the question... they want to see how you structured your residency search and how well you can reflect on it.

 

[VMSmith]

I don't "talk up" other programs... I just use the question as an opportunity to discuss what I'm looking for in a residency program. PDs aren't stupid... they know that their program isn't the only one in the world. And they're not asking the question just to pry... they want to know what sorts of programs you're looking for. Most of the time, in response to my answer, the PD says something like "oh yeah, that program is a lot like ours... actually, some of our graduates have gone to practice there." (with the implication that "oh, it's clear that you're interested in our flavor of training.")

I think this is a pretty good way to look at these kinds of questions - you get to discuss what you're looking for in a program. It does help if you have some rationale for the set of programs you applied to.

If you don't feel comfortable saying, just reply generally. If the PD presses the point, it's up to you whether you want to answer or not - at that point I'd probably worry less about how that might affect how they're ranking you, and more about how it will affect how you'll be ranking them. No need to confront them about it, but I think you do have to wonder about a PD who's insistent about you answering a question that the NRMP specifically says you don't have to answer.

 

[xenakis]

I had one interview that reviewed my LORs saying essentially "wow - their lor said that they really liked you. Sounds like you will probably end up going there". I was a little surprised and started to discuss why I wanted to go there, etc and brought the interview back to discussing their program.

Anyone else ever get asked this?

 

[twright]

I had one interview that reviewed my LORs saying essentially "wow - their lor said that they really liked you. Sounds like you will probably end up going there". I was a little surprised and started to discuss why I wanted to go there, etc and brought the interview back to discussing their program.

Anyone else ever get asked this?

Yes. Sounds like you handled it appropriately.

 

[gutonc]

I had one interview that reviewed my LORs saying essentially "wow - their lor said that they really liked you. Sounds like you will probably end up going there". I was a little surprised and started to discuss why I wanted to go there, etc and brought the interview back to discussing their program.

Anyone else ever get asked this?

It's not uncommon. And honestly, we look at a person with a letter like that as an asset not a liability. If the leadership at your home program wants you, and is willing to tell other people that, it's generally a positive thing. In the fellowship match this year, we ranked candidates who had LORs that said "we are trying to get her to stay here for fellowship" higher than "better" applicants who had LORs that said "she will be a great addition to your program."